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My sister has a rottweiler that was diagnosed with bone cancer. she is looking for apricot seeds. She knows that apparently they are no longer available, but is there anyway that you can give us some information on how she can try to either get some or something that is similiar to it. She is trying to save her dog’s life. She truly believes in natural herbs more so than regular medicine. could you please email me back to let me know if you have any suggestion that she could use.

There is a theory that apricot seeds contain a compound called amygdalin that releases cyanide and selectively kills cancer cells. In cultures where apricot pits are eaten it is assumed that the apricot pits are keeping the people relatively free of cancer. This theory is part of the rationale for the controversal Laetrile cancer remedy that is considered "unproven" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is illegal to transport Laetrile across U.S. state borders or to import into the U.S. Some U.S. states passed laws to allow physicians to prescribe Laetrile or amygdalin to terminally ill patients, but the FDA prohibition on interstate transport has made it impossible to acquire the drug legally. Recently the FDA has taken action against three companies that sold Laetrile over the Internet (http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/answers/ans01032.html). The prohibitions on Laetrile and amygdalin since the 1970s pushed supporters to set up clinics in Mexico where the products are not banned.

Supporters of Laetrile have accused the "cancer establishment" of protecting its interests by aggressively prohibiting products that might be effective but can’t be patented. The American Cancer Society’s position on Laetrile and amygdalin (also known as "Vitamin B17") is found here: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Laetrile.asp?sitearea=ETO

Apart from acquiring Laetrile or amygydalin products from companies selling these products illegally by mail or over the Internet, your sister would have to leave the United States to get treatment for her dog.